What Makes a Marionberry a Marionberry?

Tags:

Marionberry

In season July 10-Aug. 10.

Oregon’s soon-to-be state food is a cross between the
Chehalem and Olallie blackberries. It’s got a dark red to black color,
has medium-sized seeds and weighs 5 grams on average. The flavor is
richer than a regular blackberry, which is why the fruit has been dubbed
“the cabernet of blackberries.” It will not get you drunk.
Marionberries are also high in ellagic acid, which has been shown to
prevent cancer.

Kotataberry

In season July 1-24.

Like the marionberry, the kotataberry was created at
Oregon State University. Because of its increased cold tolerance and
firmness, the berry was originally intended as a replacement for the
marionberry. But because they have different seasons, the kotataberry is
now used as a slightly earlier (and less beloved) complement. Kotatas
are long and black with a medium-sized seed, and weigh six to seven
grams on average.

Evergreen blackberry

In season Aug. 10-Sept. 15.

A large number of the Oregon blackberries you’ll find in the supermarket are of the Evergreen variety (rubus laciniatus).
The evergreen is a glossy, blue-black berry that weighs four grams on
average and has a medium-to-large seed. Also known as the cut-leaf
bramble, the evergeen blackberry is high in vitamin C and fiber.

Marion Barry

Image courtesy Marion Berry

In and out of public office since 1975.

Originally from Mississippi, this Barry is now most
commonly found in Washington, D.C., where he’s received the nickname
“Mayor for Life” thanks to his resistance to pressure and heat. Back in
1990, this Barry was famously busted for being high on crack cocaine.
Not especially shelf-stable, he’s since been in and out of trouble.